Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has warned Mauricio Pochettino not to accept the club’s head coach position unless the hierarchy guarantees significant investment in the squad, particularly in defence.
Neville believes the Argentine must secure commitments for at least two new defenders during the January transfer window, alongside assurances of a minimum transfer budget for next summer.
Speaking on The Overlap, Neville said Pochettino should protect himself through the terms of his contract and ensure the club provides the financial backing needed to improve the team.
He argued that United’s current defensive options are insufficient for a club attempting to recover from its poor start to the Premier League season.
Manchester United Move Closer to Pochettino Appointment
Pochettino is expected to become United’s next head coach after the club reached a verbal agreement with the United States national team manager on Wednesday.
United subsequently made a formal approach to US Soccer as discussions over his appointment progressed.
Michael Carrick is expected to leave his position, with the former United midfielder pictured arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground on Thursday morning ahead of the anticipated announcement.
The potential appointment comes as United struggle in the Premier League, sitting 18th in the table with just one victory from their opening 10 matches.
United’s Defensive Record Raises Concerns
United have conceded 19 goals in their first 10 league matches, leaving them among the division’s worst defensive sides.
Only Ipswich Town, who have allowed 20 goals, and bottom-placed Crystal Palace, with 24, have conceded more.
Neville pointed to the back four that finished Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa as evidence of the problems facing the club.
Diogo Dalot operated at left-back, Noussair Mazraoui played on the right, while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven occupied the central defensive positions.
Neville described the combination as potentially the worst back four in the Premier League, questioning how United had reached a position where those players were their defensive options.
Neville Says Two Defenders Must Be Signed in January
The former United captain believes Pochettino should make defensive recruitment a condition of accepting the job.
He said the incoming manager must insist on receiving funds for two quality defenders in January, while also securing investment in midfield.
Neville argued that Pochettino would need a guaranteed budget for the following summer transfer window to have a realistic opportunity to turn the club’s situation around.
“If I was Mauricio Pochettino now, I would be literally protecting myself up to the high heaven,” Neville said.
He added that the manager should include appropriate financial and contractual protections in his agreement with United.
Neville Warns Pochettino Not to Accept Without Guarantees
Neville said the club must agree to Pochettino’s demands before he takes charge at Old Trafford.
He believes the new manager should not accept the position if United are unwilling to provide the necessary defensive and midfield investment.
The former defender also highlighted the importance of securing a financial commitment beyond the January window, arguing that rebuilding the squad would require sustained backing from the club’s leadership.
His comments come as United prepare for a potential managerial change following their difficult opening to the season.
